The Mesa Fire and Medical Department celebrates its rich history as this year marks its 125th anniversary. On Jan. 23, they celebrated the occasion with a proclamation issued by Mesa Mayor John Giles. Today, City officials, department members, and community members gathered in solemnity with the loved ones of those they have lost in the line of duty.
"As we gather today and reflect on the lives of our fallen brothers and sister, we have the opportunity to remember all we have learned from them," said Fire Chief Mary Cameli. "It is through our values of service with Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence (CARE) that we continue their legacies."
Speakers at today's memorial included Mesa Mayor John Giles, Mesa Councilmember Mark Freeman, Fire Chief Mary Cameli, and retired Fire Chief Dennis Compton. The Mesa Fire and Medical Department Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums lead the last alarm bell tradition.
"Today's about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our city and who showed the deepest level of love you can show by risking and giving their life for others," said Councilmember Freeman.
Those that were honored in the memorial service are:
John Owens, End of Watch: 2/11/1947
Winston West, End of Watch: 2/11/1947
Jack Stevens, End of Watch: 6/30/1986
Gary Peters, End of Watch: 9/28/1997
Carl Shoemaker, End of Watch: 2/7/2001
John Delaney, End of Watch: 3/17/2008
John Jayne, End of Watch: 7/20/2014
Nikki Sullivan, End of Watch: 4/3/2019
Trevor Madrid, End of Watch: 11/14/2021
"One of the reasons Mesa is a great place to live is because of our dedicated public safety teams," said Mayor John Giles. "I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the service and commitment of our Mesa Fire and Medical personnel, and taking time to honor and remember those we've lost in the line of duty is so important to our city."